Wet Your Whistle In Woodinville Wine Country

Just north of Woodinville’s Warehouse Winery District, EFESTĒ (pronounced F-S-T) is a well-respected winery with award-winning flights. Tasting room guests learn about the family’s winemaking history and techniques, as well as special events throughout the year. To try: the Ceidleigh (pronounced CAY-lee) and Jolie Bouche syrahs — both have made appearances on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List — and Upright, a 100% merlot that answers back to the downtrodden merlot in the wine country movie “Sideways.”

Inspired by the wine-blending techniques of Bordeaux, Matthews Winery crafts wines with the principles and the heart of Washington — an ideal blend of Old World traditions meeting New World energy and innovation. Open daily for tastings, its Woodinville tasting room and farm invite wine connoisseurs, novices and all in between to sample the wines and local charcuterie; children and dogs are welcome, too.

Seven acres of wooded hillside known as Bramble Bump are home to the acclaimed JM Cellars. Tastings are Thursdays through Sundays with optional cheese and charcuterie plates to complement the balance, power, dimension and finesse of the wines. Unforgettable, intimate weddings and events happen at JM Cellars, with its lush Pacific Northwest backdrop, inviting spaces and wonderful staff.

With one of the area’s most extensive wine lists, Novelty Hill-Januik’s winery is a fine fit for one and all. They're open daily for wine tastings by appointment with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Fridays through Sundays, an expanded menu (that varies weekly) may include such tasty offerings as pork lumpia, heirloom tomato gazpacho, Baja halibut tacos, fresh oysters or truffle parmesan frites, along with made-to-order seasonal pizzas. The property, which includes the modern winery, expansive outdoor gardens, Tree House, Cellar and Terrace Room, is also a sophisticated, stylish locale for all things wedding.

This highly regarded Washington winery has a spacious, minimalist-inspired, naturally lit tasting room in Woodinville that’s open seven days a week. At Mark Ryan, community tables up the ante on camaraderie, while the music-inspired art and memorabilia add visual interest and the French-oak-aged wine delights.

The largest of the wineries with many cellars, Chateau Ste. Michelle partners with multiple winemakers to create celebrated brands, including Eroica, Northstar, Tenet Wines and Col Solare. They host weddings on their property, as well as popular summer concerts. Winery tours and tasting experiences take place daily at the French-style winery Chateau.

Neighboring DeLille Cellars in one of the largest event complexes on the Eastside is Sparkman Cellars — a family-oriented winery with a tell-it-like-it-is tag line: “Family. Good Livin’. Damn Fine Wine.” Many of the grapes originate from eastern Washington’s vineyards, and their winemaking process is ever-evolving. Their wine list is large, varied and priced reasonably, and their Weekend Warriors (i.e., staff) are knowledgeable and consistently put smiles on guests’ faces while pouring award-winning wines.

One of the top wineries in the state, DeLille Cellars welcomes guests to its tasting room and retail tower at Old Redhook Brewery — a 20-acre property that includes a three-level tasting room, retail and event space, an outdoor patio and a 4,000-sq.-ft. rooftop deck. Along with Sparkman Cellars at Old Redhook Brewery, DeLille welcomes guests to tastings and plated experiences that showcase its Bordeaux- and Rhone-style blends.

Archer enjoys the keg wine from Alexandria Nicole Cellars so much, he’s brought it to Archer’s Kitchen + Bar to share with his guests. Stop in at its magical, cavelike Woodinville tasting room in the Hollywood Schoolhouse to sample award-winning wines with a knowledgeable, accommodating staff.

The diverse New World wine offerings of Patterson Cellars are available in two Woodinville tasting rooms: Hollywood Hill and the Warehouse District. Stop in to sample a flight with five or six wines, or reserve a time to enjoy a private tasting experience — pair your wine tasting with chocolates, cheeses, charcuterie and cheese, pizza, charcuterie and roasted vegetables, or Heritage mini sammies and chips. You can also drop in at Archer’s Kitchen + Bar for keg wine on tap from Patterson.

Founded in 1962, Columbia Winery is at the same latitude as some of Europe’s best winegrowing regions. Since day one, its founders have insisted on a philosophy of exploration and innovation — and its award-winning wines have proven them right. Visit the tasting room for wines only available at the winery. The Columbia Room is a light-filled space that’s ideal for weddings, meetings, social events and private parties — with some of the best wines in the region.

A partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Tuscany's Marchesi Antinori, Col Solare combines the best of old and new world philosophy, innovation and aesthetics to produce an exceptional cabernet sauvignon and a polished, focused and generous red blend. Reserve your spot to enjoy “a taste of Red Mountain” at the winery’s Bottega tasting room and shop at Chateau Ste. Michelle.